TAIWAN will buy 10 C-130J’s

admin

https://taiwannews.com.tw/news/6298581

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Air Force plans to procure 10 C-130J transport aircraft from the US to complement its fleet of aging C-130Hs.

The Air Force originally considered upgrading its existing fleet with integrated cockpit interfaces, improved maritime search-and-rescue capabilities, global positioning technology, and collision avoidance systems. However, the plan was scrapped due to high costs, CNA reported. The airframes would also require structural reinforcement, and there would still be risks associated with operating older aircraft.

After a comprehensive assessment, the Air Force will buy 10 C-130Js, while existing C-130H aircraft will undergo basic upgrades. The C-130J variants would take on more demanding missions such as night operations, while the C-130Hs would handle routine transport tasks.

The Air Force Command said weapons and equipment procurement plans are formed based on considerations of future enemy threats and the current state of fleet operations.

Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲), an analyst at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the J model has a fully digital cockpit, stronger engine thrust, and better fuel efficiency. It also offers increased range, shorter takeoff and landing distances, and higher payload capacity. With these advantages, the aircraft has better air mobility and greater tactical versatility when avoiding threats or encountering dangerous situations, Su said.

Mexico becom the first Latin America order off the C-130J SUPER

admin

Mexico becomrst country in Latin America to operate C-130Js

MARIETTA, Ga., Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) recently announced the acquisition of their first Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, making Mexico the first country in Latin America to operate the C-130J.

The FAM’s acquisition of the Super Hercules was the first of two international C-130J contract awards to close out in 2025, with the second new international customer yet to be disclosed. In choosing the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, the most advanced Hercules ever built, Mexico joins 24 other nations and a global fleet of more than 560 C-130Js operating today.

A longtime Hercules operator, the FAM is recapitalizing its legacy fleet with the modern C-130J-30 Super Hercules — a decision rooted in five decades of proven C-130 operational performance and existing interoperability between nations. 

FAM crews will operate the C-130J-30 Super Hercules — the stretch version of the C-130J that adds 15 feet of cargo space ― marking a new modern era of tactical airlift capability for Mexico and Latin America. With increased power, range, fuel efficiency and space, the C-130J-30 provides the FAM with proven and known capabilities ready to support any tactical mission requirements while leveraging Mexico’s decades of C-130 flying, maintenance and logistics experience.

Leveraging their knowledge of the C-130 aircraft and existing infrastructure enables a seamless transition for Mexico, saving significant time, while ensuring sustained fleet readiness and faster modernization through continued access to Lockheed Martin’s established global enterprise-wide network.

“This historic decision by Mexico reflects the continued trust placed in the C-130J Super Hercules by operators around the world,” said Trish Pagan, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions. “With their new C-130J-30, the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana’s tactical airlift capability will deliver unmatched performance, exceptional reliability, and the versatility to perform all 20 missions the C-130J is certified to execute across Mexico, throughout Latin America, and worldwide. The C-130J-30 is truly built to deliver and built to last.”

For more than 50 years, the C-130 Hercules has played a vital role in Mexico’s response to natural disasters, military operations and other critical missions. The C-130 is a powerful symbol of Mexico’s commitment to regional security and cooperation, and its continued operation is a testament to the strong partnership between Lockheed Martin and the FAM.

Mexico’s selection comes amid renewed interest in multi-role airlift capabilities across Latin America. The C-130J Super Hercules provides the FAM operators what no other tactical airlifter can: certified multi-mission versatility, proven operational performance, a true global presence, known capabilities and trusted reliability.

bron lockheedmartin.com